Rising Stars: Meet Rena Starr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Starr. 

Hi Rena, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a third-generation female antique/vintage business owner. It all started with my grandma, Betty, who owned Golden Eagle Antiques in Shreve, Ohio. She gave the love of all things antique to my mom Caren, who owns Starlight Antiques in Millersburg, Ohio. 

My mom quite literally went into labor with me at a flea market, so you could say it’s in my blood! I can remember running around antique markets that my parents and grandparents were setting up at as a kid. I worked behind the desk at my mom’s store from the time I could see over the counter. 

I currently have a small Vintage Store, Starbright Vintage (@StarbrightVint) that operates mostly online. With Starbright, I also set up events and have items in my mom’s store. In 2023 I will start hosting Vintage Markets as well under my new business Rust and Retro Vintage Market LLC. I plan on hosting events in Southeastern Michigan and Northern Ohio. My first event is scheduled for March 31st and April 1st in Davisburg, MI. 

I love the idea of helping other small businesses grow and connecting people with small businesses. It is wonderful to see people living out their dreams and to get to be a part of that. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with anything, there are ups and downs. I have always worked full time along with operating my business as a “side hustle,” with varying degrees of success, depending on how busy my day job was. My full-time job for the last 6 years has been in the mortgage industry. 

Over the last year, I have been laid off twice. 

With the most recent lay off my husband and I decided it was time for me to really try and make something of my business. I have always had the idea that I would like to host events and have a physical store someday, but kind of put it on the back burner while we started our family. We decided not to put it off any longer and to make the dream a reality. 

With a toddler, it has been an adjustment starting a new business. We have been so lucky to have the support of family, friends, and the small business community. The excitement and feedback from other small businesses has been overwhelming and amazing! 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own an online Vintage Store and host Vintage Markets. 

My online Vintage business is called Starbright Vintage which is a play-off of the name of my mom’s store Starlight Antiques. My mom’s style is more cozy and rustic whereas mine is a little more eclectic, funky, and retro. 

I have always loved mid-century and retro but growing up in an antiquing family I also have a deep appreciation for antiques and industrial. When it came time to name my market, I knew I wanted to find a cohesive way to mix both, and so Rust and Retro was born! 

We have connected with so many amazing vintage, antique, handmade, and local businesses. The market is going to have a fun and funky vibe with 50-100+ unique small businesses and food trucks at each event. Coming from a background as a vendor with 3 generations of experience, we have are bringing that tradition and perspective to our events. 

Any big plans?
Excellent question! I would love to be able to build my business in a place where I can support my family and a few employees with a comfortable living wage. 

I hope to create a network of like-minded small business owners where we can support each other. I would love to help the small business community grow and help support new entrepreneurs. I don’t need to make a million dollars – but I would love to feel that I made a difference to other small businesses and get to build my business while spending more time with my husband and daughter. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RustandRetroVintageMarket.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RustandRetroVintageMarket/
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/RustandRetroVintageMarket
• Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/@RustandRetroVintageMarket
• Other: www.StarbrightVint.com